The hottest hotels in Asia and Australia

The best new hotels that made it to our Hot List in 2016

There’s no dearth of bliss to be found at Mandapa -A Ritz Carlton Reserve, Bali

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The Temple House, China

The entrance to this Chengdu hotel will remind you of Shifu’s school from the Kung Fu Panda film series. But inside, it’s a contemporary affair: all the mod cons in place, and excellent organic vegetarian fare at Teahouse, the Chinese restaurant. (Website)

TRI, Sri Lanka

When math meets design, the result is distinctive. This hotel by Koggala Lake is designed using the Fibonacci Sequence, a mathematical concept. It’s safe to say that when you look out at the refreshing greenery and tranquil lake from your Water Tower room or step onto the cantilevered pool area, you’ll feel like thanking the beautiful mind behind this place. (Website)

Mandapa – A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Bali

It may not have the beach you’ve come to expect when you think of Bali, but there’s no dearth of bliss to be found here—not just because of the array of spa treatments). The best way to experience this Balinese village-like wellness oasis is by getting in a calming session of yoga facing the incredibly green rice fields, followed by a picnic beside the Ayung River. (Website)

Phum Baitang, Cambodia

We know how tiring a day spent ambling around Angkor Wat can be. Which is why it’s a blessing to return to a blissful therapy at this Siem Reap hideaway’s Spa Temple. For best results, book a villa with a private plunge pool. (Website)

Amanemu, Japan

The spectacularly minimalist resort right by the Pacific Ocean is centred around a traditional bath house fed by natural hot springs (onsen). It’s the dictionary definition of escape. (Website)

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, South Korea

In a no-nonsense high-rise situated in the Jongno-gu district, this hotel suits the business traveller perfectly. Major corporate offices, as well as some of the city’s hippest bars, markets and plazas, are just a short distance away, while the indoor lap pool is where you can pretend to be 007 and kick back with a Martini. (Website)

Katamama, Bali

This all-suite boutique property bills itself as “made by artisans”. You’ll find chic rooms that are furnished with traditional crafts and every modern convenience. Pick a Rooftop Suite, which comes with its own terrace gardens and a view of the Indian Ocean. (Website)

Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort, Sri Lanka

A sexy, secluded resort on a palm-lined shore is excuse enough to use up your vacation days. It’s also a great place to take the kids: blue whales come close to the coast between December and April, and the hotel offers a tour to go spot them. (Website)

A photo posted by The Reverie Saigon (@thereveriesaigon) on May 7, 2016 at 4:21pm PDT

The Reverie Saigon, Vietnam

When the tallest hotel in Ho Chi Minh City ropes in four of the best Italian designers to take charge of its décor and a Michelin-starred chef to helm its Cantonese restaurant, you know it’s going to be nothing short of outstanding. (Website)

Shangri-La Hotel, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Now this is a hotel with a view. We’d completely understand if you didn’t ever want to leave your mountain-facing room. However, if you did, another way to feast your eyes would be by choosing an al fresco table on the terrace of Naadam, the casual-dining restaurant. (Website)

Keemala, Thailand

Inspired by imaginary tribes and their idiosyncrasies, some of the villas here look like fruit hanging from trees, which may leave you bewildered. But this wonderfully weird, charming jungle resort in Phuket is the perfect place to hide out for a few days when you just want to disconnect from the world. (Website)

Panacea Retreat, Thailand

A set of four-, five- and six-bedroom villas with infinity pools and views of hills or sea—this Koh Samui spot will melt away all your troubles. We can’t think of a better name for it. (Website)

COMO The Treasury, Perth

It’s named quite aptly, given all the goodies your kids get, from chocolate when they check in to other delights if they go on a Sweet Treats trail around the building. The plus for you: there’s enough to do, both inside and outside, to burn the sugar, and children under 12 dine free at Post, the modern Australian restaurant. (Website)

Halcyon House, New South Wales

Plenty of indigos and bright whites, crazy patterns teamed with solid colours, pictures and paintings on the walls—there is a comforting warmth that draws you in and holds you close. Or perhaps it’s the food by Noma graduate Ben Devlin. We can’t decide, but either way, we’re not complaining. (Website)

The Old Clare Hotel, Sydney

There’s nothing “old” about this new property, set bang in the middle of the neighbourhood of Chippendale (aka hipster central). Check in and check out the three cracking restaurants—by Jason Atherton (of 22 Ships, Pollen Street Social, The Clocktower), Sam Miller (formerly of Noma) and Clayton Wells (ex-Momofuku Seiobo). (Website)